Blind date: The register office was next door but we opted for the pub and more drinks'

"What were you hoping for? Something a little different for a Tuesday night, and a fancy meal with some good company. First impressions? Very smiley and easy to talk to. What did you talk about? Working in schools. The Highway Code. Borscht. Bargain Hunt. Blind daters' overuse of the word impeccable when referring to people's table manners. Most awkward moment? The maitre d' seemed to think we were restaurant critics he started telling us the whole backstory of the place and offered to show us the underground, fully soundproofed function room."

"Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about Alexia? She comes across as very kind and genuine, and is clearly passionate about her work helping children. Would you introduce Alexia to your friends? Yes, I think they'd get along. Describe Alexia in three words Warm, funny, energetic. Q&AShow Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions."

"This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at theguardian.com every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 you can read all about how we put it together here. What questions will I be asked? We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind."

Two strangers met for a Tuesday-night blind date over a fancy meal and pleasant conversation. Alexia made a very smiley first impression and was easy to talk to. Conversation topics included working in schools, the Highway Code, borscht, Bargain Hunt and table manners. The maitre d' mistakenly assumed they were restaurant critics and offered a tour of an underground, soundproofed function room. Alexia displayed impeccable table manners and came across as kind, genuine and passionate about helping children. The dater would introduce her to friends. The column pairs strangers weekly and shares selected details and photos.

Read at www.theguardian.com